Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio, was recently honored as Legislator of the Year by the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) Inland Empire Caucus, a recognition of his personal and political commitment to the state’s disability community.
The award was presented during the organization’s 22nd Annual Legislative Breakfast in Ontario, where providers, families, and community leaders discuss the future of community-based support in California.
“As a father, this is deeply personal,” Gonzalez said. “I came to Sacramento to be a voice for my son, RJ, and for families like ours.”
Gonzalez’s son lives with cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia and a seizure disorder. He requires full-time care, utilizing a feeding tube and requiring constant assistance with mobility and communication. Gonzalez noted that his work in the Assembly is driven by the daily reality his wife, Christine, and their son face.
“RJ cannot walk. He cannot speak. He cannot eat without a feeding tube,” Gonzalez said. “Every moment of his life requires full-time care and attention. This is not just legislation. It is real change for families like mine.”
The CDSA Inland Empire Caucus selected Gonzalez for his consistent advocacy for the Lanterman Act – the landmark California law that established the right to services for people with developmental disabilities – and his opposition to cuts for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
The award recognizes Gonzalez’s efforts to protect consumer choice and ensure that California’s disability services system remains robust and accessible for those it was designed to serve.
“I am honored to be recognized, and I accept this award on behalf of every advocate, provider, and family who shows up every day for Californians with disabilities,” Gonzalez said. “This work is always about people. It is about dignity, independence, and making sure support is there when it is needed.”
The annual CDSA breakfast serves as a vital platform for Inland Empire stakeholders to bridge the gap between policy and the lived experiences of residents. Gonzalez vowed to continue his focus on the community throughout his tenure.
“Whether it is advocating against IHSS cuts or highlighting the Lanterman Act, I will continue to fight for the disability community every day,” Gonzalez said.
